- 300 days of sunshine
The south of Portugal is ideal for holidays all year round thanks to mild winters, hot summers, and warm springs and autumns.
2. Brilliant beaches
The Algarve is home to some of the best beaches in Europe. Endless golden sands, great waves, beachside bars, water sports and perfect sunbathing conditions. There are 88 Blue Flag beaches (certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that meet its stringent standards) that cater for a variety of interests. And for those who love to seek out the unique and unusual, head for the Beangil Caves (top photo) near Lagoa. Whether you’re a sun worshipper or avid water sport enthusiast, there is a beach for everyone to enjoy here from families to surfers, golfers and honeymooners. And if you’re looking for the ideal holiday home, just check out our gorgeous luxury villas, you won’t be disappointed.
3. Golf
A terrific collection of first class championship courses and amazing resorts strung along the sun-kissed coastline make the Algarve a par-fect place for golfers. We’ve got some truly amazing holiday rentals where the very best golf courses are, you’ll be welcomed for a game, membership not required.
Details: http://www.visitgolfalgarve.com
4. Stunning holiday villas
Indulge in a memorable break in one of our exquisite holiday villas. They all have swimming pools, maid service and truly deserve the label “luxury”, we’re what the term dream holiday is all about.
5. Easy to get to
At just over two hours away from most of Europe’s major cities and with quick efficient transfers from Faro airport to all tourist destinations the Algarve makes for a stress-free visit, perfect not just for longer holidays but for weekends too.
6. Gastronomy
Inspired by Mediterranean style cuisine, the Algarve is a foodie paradise for fish and shellfish. There are loads of food festivals and fairs celebrating the regions’ gastronomy where you can sample local delicacies and join in the fun. The annual traditional Sausage Fair of Monchique in March is a famously tasty event and August is seafood festival season in the Algarve – don’t miss the Portimão Sardine Festival and the Olhão Seafood Festival.
7. Authentic local cuisine
The Algarve boasts the most Michelin Star restaurants Portugal with 8 Michelin starred restaurants. Many of the local restaurants in the towns and villages offer extensive menus made with locally sourced produce and ingredients. Portugal’s southernmost region is perfect for vines and the region makes some fabulous wines. Major towns that lend their names to the region’s four wine DOCs are Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa and Tavira. For these traditional wines, the main white grapes are Arinto, Malvasia Fina, Manteúdo and Síria, and for the reds Castelão and Negra Mol. More recently, new wine estates are making regional Algarve wine from national and international grapes: Syrah, Aragonez and Cabernet Sauvignon, Alvarinho, Chardonnay, Viognier…
8. Great for nature lovers, hikers and cyclists
The Algarve is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Europe. Walk along the marked trails or cycle the rural routes that run through the mountain borders for stunning views. Nature lovers will love the birding hotspots such as the Castro Marim wetlands, the Ria Formosa and Lagoa dos Salgados. See the tourist office website for some awesome routes for hikers and riders.
9. Culture
There’s loads for art and music lovers to enjoy with cultural events throughout the year. Art galleries are located in most towns as well as concerts, theatre productions and dance shows. Moorish influences are evident in the narrow streets and chimneys with varied shapes and designs which can also be seen in the local ceramics. Churches and castles built in previous centuries reflect a rich culture steeped in history. Local cultural artworks are to be found and preserved in museums in the major coastal centres and in smaller inland towns throughout the region.
10. Arts and crafts
Discover a wealth of traditional and modern art and crafts, including embroidery and ceramics. The best pottery to be found in the Algarve is in the village of Porches where you can watch the artisans hand painting the pottery. Paintings, sculptures, baskets and leather goods made locally can all be bought in the boutiques in towns and villages throughout the Algarve.
Useful websites